Ginger ale adds a zesty kick to cocktails. This bubbly mixer blends well with many spirits and flavors.
You can use it to create tasty drinks for any occasion.
These ginger ale cocktail recipes will help you make delicious drinks at home. They range from simple two-ingredient mixes to more complex concoctions.
You’ll find options for different tastes and skill levels.
Get ready to shake up some refreshing beverages with ginger ale as the star.
1. Moscow Mule with Ginger Ale
This twist on the classic Moscow Mule uses ginger ale instead of ginger beer. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail.
To make it, you’ll need vodka, lime juice, and ginger ale.
Fill a glass with ice and add 2 ounces of vodka. Squeeze in half an ounce of fresh lime juice.
Top off the glass with ginger ale and give it a gentle stir. The ginger ale adds a sweet, bubbly kick to the drink.
Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel. You can also add a sprig of mint for extra flavor. Enjoy your Moscow Mule with a softer ginger taste!
2. Whiskey Ginger Smash
This refreshing cocktail combines the warmth of whiskey with the zing of ginger. To make it, you’ll need whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup. Add whiskey, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well to mix and chill.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with ginger ale for a bubbly kick.
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of candied ginger.
The Whiskey Ginger Smash is perfect for sipping on warm evenings. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic pairing of whiskey and ginger in a new, exciting form.
3. Bourbon-Ginger Lemonade
This refreshing cocktail combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the zesty kick of ginger ale and the tangy sweetness of lemonade. It’s a perfect drink for warm summer days or casual gatherings.
To make it, mix 2 ounces of bourbon with 4 ounces of lemonade in a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of ginger ale for some fizz and extra ginger flavor.
You can garnish your drink with a lemon wedge or a slice of candied ginger for an extra touch.
Adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences. This cocktail offers a balanced blend of flavors that’s sure to please bourbon lovers and newcomers alike.
4. Pineapple Ginger Ale Fizz
This fruity and fizzy drink combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the spicy kick of ginger ale. It’s a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm days or anytime you want a taste of the tropics.
To make this drink, you’ll need pineapple juice, ginger ale, and ice.
Mix equal parts pineapple juice and ginger ale in a glass filled with ice. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
For extra flair, garnish your drink with a slice of fresh pineapple or a sprig of mint.
You can also add a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist. This easy-to-make cocktail is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering.
5. Spiced Rum Ginger Ale
This cocktail mixes the warm flavors of spiced rum with the zesty kick of ginger ale. It’s easy to make and perfect for sipping on a cool evening.
To make it, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of spiced rum. Top it off with ginger ale and stir gently.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice.
You can garnish with a lime wedge or a stick of cinnamon.
This drink is great for parties. You can make a big batch by keeping the same ratio of rum to ginger ale.
6. Vodka Cranberry Ginger
This refreshing cocktail combines vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger ale for a fizzy, fruity drink. You’ll need vodka, cranberry juice cocktail, ginger ale, and ice.
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in 1.5 ounces of vodka and 3 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail. Top it off with ginger ale, about 3-4 ounces.
Gently stir the drink to mix the ingredients.
For a festive touch, add a lime wedge or some fresh cranberries as a garnish.
This cocktail is perfect for summer parties or holiday gatherings. You can easily adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences.
7. Gin and Ginger with Lime
This refreshing cocktail combines the crispness of gin with the spicy kick of ginger ale. The addition of lime gives it a zesty twist.
To make this drink, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of gin and top it off with 4 ounces of ginger ale.
Squeeze a wedge of fresh lime into the glass for a citrusy punch. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
You can garnish with a lime wheel or wedge on the rim of the glass.
8. Cranberry Ginger Ale Punch
Cranberry Ginger Ale Punch is a quick and tasty drink you can make for parties. You’ll need cranberry juice, ginger ale, and some optional extras.
Mix 4 parts cranberry juice with 6 parts ginger ale in a big pitcher. Add ice to keep it cool.
For more flavor, you can put in some lime juice or sliced oranges.
Want to make it stronger? Add a cup of lime-flavored rum for every 2 quarts of punch. This gives it a nice kick.
For a pretty touch, float some fresh cranberries on top. Serve in glasses over ice. Your guests will love this easy, refreshing drink.
9. Blackberry Ginger Ale Cooler
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of blackberries with the crisp fizz of ginger ale. You’ll love how easy it is to make.
Start by muddling fresh blackberries in a glass. Add ice, then pour in vodka and a squeeze of lime juice.
Top it off with ginger ale and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish with a few blackberries and a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
The result is a perfectly balanced drink. The blackberries add a fruity punch, while the ginger ale provides a subtle spicy kick. It’s ideal for sipping on hot summer days.
10. Ginger Ale Mojito
This refreshing twist on the classic mojito swaps rum for ginger ale. You’ll love its zingy, bubbly flavor.
To make it, muddle fresh mint leaves and lime juice in a glass.
Add ice and pour in ginger ale. The result is a cool, tangy drink with a pleasant fizziness.
The mint and lime provide a refreshing taste that pairs well with the spicy kick of ginger.
This mocktail is perfect for those who want a non-alcoholic option. It’s great for hot summer days or anytime you need a refreshing drink.
11. Apple Ginger Ale Sangria
Apple Ginger Ale Sangria is a refreshing twist on the classic Spanish drink. You’ll love this fall-inspired cocktail that combines the crispness of apples with the spicy kick of ginger ale.
To make this sangria, start with a bottle of red wine. Add chopped apples, pears, and a splash of apple cider.
Let the mixture chill in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors blend.
Just before serving, pour in some ginger ale for a fizzy touch. The ginger ale adds a nice spice that complements the fruit perfectly.
This drink is perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s easy to make and sure to be a hit with your guests.
12. Ginger Ale Margarita
The Ginger Ale Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. You’ll love this bubbly version of the traditional Mexican drink.
To make it, mix tequila, lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur in a glass.
Add ice and top it off with ginger ale for a fizzy kick.
Rim your glass with salt for an authentic touch. Garnish with a lime wedge to enhance the citrus flavors.
This cocktail is perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a light, effervescent drink. The ginger ale adds a sweet and spicy note that complements the tequila beautifully.
13. Peach Ginger Ale Spritzer
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of peach with the zesty kick of ginger ale. You’ll love how easy it is to make.
Start by filling a tall glass with ice. Pour in 1/2 cup of peach juice or nectar.
Top it off with chilled ginger ale.
For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Garnish with a fresh peach slice or mint sprig if you like.
This spritzer is perfect for hot summer days or as a non-alcoholic option at parties. You can adjust the ratio of peach juice to ginger ale to suit your taste preferences.
The History of Ginger Ale
Ginger ale has a fascinating past that dates back to the 1850s. This fizzy drink was first created as a non-alcoholic alternative to ginger beer.
The credit for inventing ginger ale often goes to James Vernor, a Detroit pharmacist. He reportedly developed the recipe before leaving to fight in the Civil War.
When Vernor returned, he found the ginger mixture he had stored in oak barrels had transformed into a delicious, fizzy beverage. This became known as Vernor’s Ginger Ale.
Another key figure in ginger ale history is John McLaughlin. In 1904, he created Canada Dry Pale Ginger Ale in Toronto. This lighter, less sweet version quickly gained popularity.
Ginger ale became a staple in many households during Prohibition. People used it to mix with alcohol, creating tasty cocktails that masked the taste of homemade spirits.
Flavors and Variations
Ginger ale cocktails offer a range of tastes and styles. You can find options that are sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between.
Spiced Ginger Ale
Spiced ginger ale adds extra warmth to cocktails. You’ll find versions with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. These work well in fall and winter drinks.
Try a spiced ginger ale with dark rum for a cozy twist on a classic. Add a splash of apple cider for more flavor.
Some recipes use homemade spiced simple syrup to boost the taste.
For a holiday punch, mix spiced ginger ale with cranberry juice and sparkling wine. This makes a festive drink that’s great for parties.
Craft and Artisanal Options
Craft ginger ales offer more intense flavors than mass-produced brands.
You’ll find small-batch options with real ginger and less sugar.
These artisanal ginger ales can transform a simple cocktail.
Try a Moscow Mule with craft ginger ale instead of ginger beer.
You’ll get a lighter, more complex drink.
Some bars make their own ginger syrup. This lets them control the spice level in drinks.
You can do this at home by steeping fresh ginger in simple syrup.
Craft ginger ales also pair well with aged spirits.
Try one with a good bourbon or scotch for a sophisticated sipper.